The "For Relaxation" series from RCA Victor offers music that, as the title suggests, creates an atmosphere of calm and serenity. Each disc in the series is dedicated to a single composer or instrument and features well known music of a tranquil, gentle nature. However, in addition to the familiar works, there are many pleasant surprises and unexpected selections all brilliantly performed by masters such as James Galway, Julian Bream, Pinchas Zukerman, and Gerhard Oppitz. Each album in the series is expertly programmed to set the appropriate mood of quiet reflection and, with the combination of superb music and exceptional performances, offers a truly pleasurable listening experience.
PIANO FOR RELAXATION offers works for solo piano from a variety of composers, all eloquently interpreted by Gerhard Oppitz. Edvard Grieg, with five selections including the dreamlike Notturno, is the most prominently featured composer on this compilation. Oppitz gives a graceful account of the Intermezzo in A by Johannes Brahms, also well represented with three additional pieces. The collection is rounded out by Oppitz's sensitive readings of works by Schumann, Liszt, Chopin, and others, including a haunting rendition of Ravel's 'Pavane pour une infante défunte.'

William Kapell Edition, Vol. 6: Bach: Partita No. 4 - Suite

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 76: Schubert Piano Trio No. 1 -

Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 73: Brahms Piano Trio No. 3; Sch

This is an especially significant release in Sony's distinguished “Masterworks Heritage“ series, returning the Symphonies 97 and 99 (recorded in 1957) to the catalog and comprising the first stereo release of each. Sonically this transfer offers radical improvement over the old Epic LP of four decades ago. The early stereo image, if not particularly directional, provides greater spread than did the monaural engineering of the Epic disc and, of greater importance, tames the occasionally painful shrillness of that earlier edition. Moreover, this 99 is Szell's only recording of the work and is thus an essential component of his discography. It and 97 receive fleet, tautly controlled readings stamped by textural clarity featuring well-defined winds and brass and benefiting from Szell's sensitivity to motivic structure. I had always thought this 97 to be more intense than the conductor's stereo remake (currently available on a bargain Sony CD), but comparison reveals that this is mainly an illusion created by the dryness of the Epic version, recorded in a Severance Hall lacking the shell that was later added to enhance resonance and was in place when the remake was produced.

The reading of 98 (recorded in 1969) has been on CD for some time and should be more familiar. It is generally stylish, but a bit too bland and comfortable, lacking the flair and animation of the magnificent Toscanini and Colin Davis versions. In the main, however, this is a welcome reissue. Exposition repeats are observed in the first movements of 98 and 99, but not in the finale of the former or in the initial movement of 97.

-- Mortimer H. Frank, FANFARE

This set contains both ADD and DDD recordings.

"Today Rubinstein is best remembered as the ideal Chopin interpreter. He recorded much of the composer’s output several times over, first for EMI in the 1930s, in recordings many still treasure for their spontaneity and verve. For RCA, his monophonic Chopin recordings from the 1940s and their stereo remakes remain the standards by which other pianists are judged. And yet despite that identification with Chopin, Rubinstein always claimed Brahms was his favorite composer, and his golden-toned RCA recordings of the Op. 5 Sonata, the Ballades, and selected samples of Brahms’ autumnal late works retain their primacy, as do his Brahms recordings in partnership with chamber groups and outstanding soloists like Heifetz and Henryk Szeryng."

-- Dan Davis, Listen Magazine [5, 2009]

MUSSORGSKY: NIGHT ON BARE MOUN

This recording received a 1998 "Critic's Choice" award from Gramophone
magazine.

This CD also includes a 1'28" spoken word track by Keith Lockhart serving as an introduction to the medley "Long Live the King - A Tribute to Elvis."
Among America's most popular entertainers, the Boston Pops thrill audiences with their renditions of the classics and innovative expression of musical trends. ENCORE! celebrates the Pops' fifth year of recording under the leadership of Keith Lockhart, it collects favorite tracks from past recordings.
From traditional pieces like "Song of the Volga Boatmen" to more contemporary hits, such as "Riverdance," the Pops deliver hearty, feel-good performances. They don't shy away from adding unconventional instruments to the orchestration: "Riverdance" includes an electric fiddle, synthesizer and guitar. Alongside perennial favorites like "Stars and Stripes Forever," they add surprises, such as the bonus track "Long Live the King! - A Tribute to Elvis," recorded live at Symphony Hall. This medley of "Jailhouse Rock, "Can't Help Falling in Love" and "Hound Dog" embodies the irreverent spirit that makes the Boston Pops a national treasure.

This selection contains both AAD and DDD recordings.
Christmastime is a season made for familiar traditions: food, decorations, and music. This collection of seasonal favorites is an anthology of some of the world's most popular performers. From legendary pops conductor Arthur Fiedler to the voice of Mario Lanza, these are artists recognized in homes across the country.
Timeless classics such as Morton Gould and the RCA Symphony Orchestra's 'Jingle Bells' and Robert Shaw Chorale's 'Deck the Halls' are the epitome of Christmas cheer. Performed with crowd-pleasing flair, the music is equally at home as the centerpiece of a listening experience, or in the background of a family gathering. So pleasant, so familiar, everyone will recognize this music.
As important to the holidays as a warm hearth in the home, these songs are seasonal essentials.

V3: RUBINSTEIN COLLECTION

When putting together albums like this, producers often cite "The Mozart Effect" as evidence of classical music's remarkable bolstering effect on IQ. While some question the relevancy of those studies, it's common sense that exposing kids to music rich in culture will start them on the road toward a greater appreciation of the world around them.
BUILDING BABY'S BRAIN 4 features some of J.S. Bach's most appealing pieces. Unlike other children's classical music recordings, this album is organized into more than just nap time and playtime music. It includes merry dances, marches and even simple musical exercises originally composed as tutorials.
As the father to twenty children of his own, Bach had a special connection to children. The kids who enjoy his music may or may not be smarter because of it, but their lives are certainly richer for it.

These performances are also included on Sony's 10-disc set "Bruno Walter
Edition Volume 3" - Sony Classical 66248.

This selection contains both ADD and DDD recordings.